Baritone Christian Thurston is making the shift of a lifetime to pursue his dream.
The former John Paul College head boy and Dame Malvina Major Foundation emerging artist has beaten nearly 3000 applicants worldwide to be accepted into the Masters programme at the acclaimed Manhattan School of Music in New York City.
"It's pretty great news. I was overwhelmed," he said. "It will open some doors being in New York ... It is like the mecca of opera."
Thurston has already visited the campus, and will make the shift at the end of August.
"I am pretty excited. It's going to be a big move and a huge culture change. Every day I was there I enjoyed it more."